Because of an escalating fire danger in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, park officials have closed Hilina Pali Road from the Mauna Iki Trailhead and Mauna Loa Road at the gate past Kipukapuaulu. Nonmotorized day use, such as hiking and bicycling, will be permitted, and backcountry camping on Mauna Loa is allowed with a permit.
Because of an escalating fire danger in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, park officials have closed Hilina Pali Road from the Mauna Iki Trailhead and Mauna Loa Road at the gate past Kipukapuaulu. Nonmotorized day use, such as hiking and bicycling, will be permitted, and backcountry camping on Mauna Loa is allowed with a permit.
In addition, Ainahou Ranch access will be restricted to essential personnel and authorized vehicles only. Campfires are prohibited at Namakanipaio Campground and Kipukapuaulu until further notice. The use of fuel stoves is allowed.
On Thursday afternoon, a fire burned nearly 3 acres of seasonally dry ohia woodland and scattered koa trees, forcing park officials to close Mauna Loa Road from Highway 11 and temporarily evacuate Namakanipaio Campground. National Park Service and County of Hawaii fire crews responded to the blaze, located about 1/4 mile west of Kipukapuaulu. As of 8 a.m. Friday, the fire was 50 percent contained, and its spread had been halted.
No structures or homes were threatened. Park officials report that the fire was started unintentionally, and its cause is under investigation.